Braided Cord Necklace Appraisal

Carved Jade Pendant with Braided Cord

This item is a circular, carved jade pendant displayed on a vibrant red and green braided cord. The pendant itself appears to be crafted from a translucent to opaque jade with a mottled coloration, exhibiting shades of grey-green and possibly some lighter inclusions, suggestive of a nephrite or lower-quality jadeite. The carving is intricate, featuring a multi-layered, geometric design. The outermost edge is scalloped or fluted, leading inwards to a series of concentric octagonal and circular patterns. The central circular section has a polished finish and appears slightly concave. There are subtle markings, potentially characters or symbols, engraved within this central area, though they are difficult to discern clearly from the image provided. A small, roughly rectangular opening is carved at the top, through which the suspension cord passes. The craftsmanship suggests hand-carving due to the slight irregularities and depth variations in the details, indicating a traditional approach rather than machine mass production. The overall style is reminiscent of traditional East Asian decorative arts, specifically Chinese jade carving, which often incorporates symbolic geometric and natural motifs. The braided cord consists of a thick red cord for the main necklace, transitioning to a finer green braided knotwork nearer the pendant, adorned with a single light green, translucent bead just above the pendant. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as chips or cracks on the pendant, but the surface exhibits a soft sheen which could indicate a gentle patina from handling and age. The cord appears to be in good condition, with no visible fraying or wear. The item's age is difficult to pinpoint without further inspection, but the traditional design and carving style suggest it could range from mid-20th century to contemporary production, echoing older aesthetics.